SPORTS MASSAGE IN CHORLEY TO HELP WITH NECK PAIN
Neck pain can range from a dull ache to signifiant, disabling pain, can be linked to headaches, migraines and even back pain.
Find out what causes neck pain, what you can do to treat neck pain at home, what doctors can do for neck pain and how massage and sports massage can help people struggling with back ache or other neck problems.
WHAT IS NECK PAIN?
Written by Arran Tomlinson, Sports Massage Therapist at Muscle Mender, Buckshaw Village, Chorley
Medically, your neck is the section of your spine called the "cervical spine" that runs from the base of your skull and includes the first seven vertebrae bones of the spine. These vertebrae bones sit on top of each other, separated by small, strong pieces of tissue called intervertebral discs (or "discs"). Your neck also includes various ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves and blood vessels that connect your neck to your head, shoulders, back and chest.
WHAT CAUSES NECK PAIN?
The most common type of neck pain is the neck pain people suffer on waking up in the morning and finding that they can't move their neck properly without pain. This is generally "spasming neck pain", and is caused by the muscles in the neck going into spasm, often while you're asleep. The result is that the neck is painful on waking.
Neck pain due to headaches or migraines is also common. Here, the muscles in the face and scalp tighten and this can lead to pain that radiates into the neck because the muscles are connected.
Nerves can also cause neck pain - there's lots of nerves in the neck, and if they become irritated or trapped, this can cause pain or altered sensations like pins and needles or tingling.
Another common cause of neck pain is cervical spondylosis. This is a normal part of aging, and can often be managed with simply exercise and massage treatments.
Other common causes of neck pain can include injuries like falls, accidents, and whiplash.
HOW YOU CAN TREAT NECK PAIN AT HOME IN CHORLEY
If you have neck pain, there are some treatments you can try at home.
Many people will try treating neck problems with painkillers. You should only take painkillers that you know are safe for you to take - if you don't know what painkillers are safe for you, a chemist or GP can help. Some painkillers help reduce the sensation of pain, but other painkillers (anti-inflammatories) help reduce inflammation too.
Some people will use either heat or ice to help with neck problems. Heat can feel very comforting when you have neck pain. Ice can help reduce inflammation and numb the painful area, but studies now suggest that ice can slow healing in some cases.
While the idea of moving might seem odd, gentle stretches can help, especially if you're dealing with the after effects of spasming neck pain. If you are stretching and moving to help with neck pain, you should listen to your body and be careful not to cause further pain.
HOW DOCTORS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS TREAT NECK PAIN
If home remedies don't help with your neck pain, you might decide to go and see a GP.
Many GPs will treat neck pain initially with stronger painkillers (prescription painkillers), and may refer you to a NHS Physiotherapist for further treatment. They may also refer you for an MRI or Xray to see if there is any structural cause for the pain you are feeling.
A physiotherapist may suggest a variety of exercises and stretches.
Some people choose to seek massage or sports massage therapy for neck pain. Sports massage - like that offered by Muscle Mender in Chorley - focuses on restoring movement and reducing pain, and while results cannot be guaranteed, many people find sports massage a useful complementary therapy for neck problems.
When you come and see me to help with your neck pain, I'll use a variety of techniques, including massage, sports massage, cupping, scraping and kinesiology taping, to help you feel better.
When I see my clients, I examine exactly what is going on because as a fully trained therapist, I know that the cause of pain is not always where you feel it - neck pain can be caused by issues in other parts of the body such as the chest, back or shoulders.
The treatment I offer is personalised for you, with the aim of helping you get back to doing what you love as soon as possible.